Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Newton Ward and Mel Tello.
Kara is a former professional dancer, who uses her passion for movement to connect with students. Kara received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance & Pedagogy from The University of Texas (Hook ’em!) and left to travel the world performing dance–from serious modern works to playful musical theater, to interactive contemporary pieces before turning her passion for dance towards fitness. While pursuing her dance career, Kara needed something that would ground and center her and yoga delivered! Through movement, Kara believes we can come to understand ourselves, and those around us, better and more completely.
Yoga is a path with many routes, with many benefits, and she believes in sharing the yogic lifestyle with others to enrich their lives, as it did hers. Athletics have always been a part of Mel’s life. She explored various forms of fitness classes before stumbling upon her first Yin Yoga class in NY, which opened doors to a lifestyle she embraces. She eventually discovered her true passion, teaching movement based classes, and she soon discovered the far-reaching benefits yoga had to offer. Yoga for Mel started with an asana-based desire, and it was the spiritual and calming experience that fired up the desire in her heart to practice regularly and eventually pursue yoga teacher training so that she could share the beauty of all aspects of yoga with others.
Mel and Kara founded BEYOGA from a desire to share their passion for yoga with the community. BEYOGA honors the philosophy of yoga, as well as the physical side of the practice. More than just asana, yoga is a way of living and being. They will offer a holistic approach to yoga that encompasses all 8 limbs of the yoga path. Classes, workshops, immersions and training will join the worlds of physical practice and yoga education. This space is for a community of individuals to support each others’ growth through practice, presence, teaching, training, and service. All levels and walks of life are welcome to experience the transformative effects of yoga!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This studio started as a small dream to share yoga with the community, and flowered and grew into what it is today through discussion, experience, and drive! It has been a learning curve to discover all that goes into growing a business. From finding the perfect space to getting through permitting within Houston, to construction, to marketing.
I mean the list goes on and on!–it has been a journey that extends far beyond our love, passion and knowledge of yoga. We have been lucky to have friends and community members on our side, offering support, sharing tips and tricks and just being there throughout the process. The struggles and twists and turns, though, make it all the more worthwhile, and we can’t wait to open our doors soon!
BEYOGA – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
BEYOGA honors the philosophy of yoga, as well as the asana side of the practice. We want to give you a chance to connect to your practice and express yourself through breath, movement and meditation on your mat as well as deepen your understanding of the yogic lifestyle through additional trainings and workshops. We offer a holistic approach that encompasses and promotes all 8 limbs of yoga. This space is for a community of individuals to support each others growth through practice, presence, teaching, training, and service. All levels and walks of life are welcome to experience the transformative effects of yoga!
With 3 signature class formats, we offer all that you need to dive into the physical side of your yoga practice each week. With integrity in sequencing and teaching, you will be able to safely grow your practice no matter your level. We will have classes designed to move your body and breath, to strengthen your mind and body, and to relax and rejuvenate your spirit.
Not only do we want you to experience a superior yoga class experience, we also want you to have space to learn more about the practice and lifestyle of yoga. We are honored to offer workshops, immersions and a 200-hour teacher training to help you along your path, sharing from our knowledge and also from yoga pillars of the community. We want you to enjoy friendship, laughter, sweat, tears, love, good vibes and conscious action! More than just asana, it’s about living and being your yoga.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
We have been so amazed by the response in the community, from friends and family to acquaintances, to yogis we haven’t even really met yet. We held a donation yoga class for Hurricane Harvey relief to support the Houston Food Bank in September, and we were blown away by the level of support not only for us but for the community of Houston as a whole!
Together we were able to raise almost $1000 for the food bank! It was great to see yogis showing up for more than themselves on their mats, to do something for a cause bigger than ourselves, and to see the impact we can make together. It was one of those moments where you feel complete clarity for what you are creating and why.
Pricing:
- We will be sharing opening specials on social media soon, so follow us to hear more! We will offer specials on $10 classes, 10 classes for $108, and much more!
Contact Info:
- Address: 718 W 18th St. Ste. G Houston TX 77008
- Website: beyoga.com
- Email: kara@beyoga.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyoga_tx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyogatx
Image Credit:
Billy Morquecho, Ash Agnite
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
